Hats off to my son! You Slugger!
November 30, 2009 at 8:44 pm (1, Children's issues)
Tags: baseball, children' s sports, EmPowerplus
There are moments in life when your children bring tears to your eyes. Some of these moments are unexpected and that is what happened to me yesterday.
My oldest son is 11 and in Middle School. I have blogged about him before with regard to his journey since starting on Empower Plus in February of this year. One of the areas that he had struggled with was fine motor skills and eye/hand coordination.
Well-that seems to be a problem of the past. Yesterday we took all three boys to the batting cages as we just signed up the 2 younger ones for spring baseball and thought it would be nice to get some practice in.
Our oldest son has not played baseball in the past except for playing at school or a family/neighborhhood game at the playground. Our middle son went first-he is the one that wants to be a professional athlete and is quite a baseball player – he struggled at first and could not hit a pitch. We reminded him it had been awhile and practice makes perfect. Our youngest one went next and he has been practicing in the neighborhood and he, too, could not hit the ball. This went on for several attempts each and the two of them getting frustrated. I looked over at my eldest son sitting quietly in a chair. I asked him if he wanted to try and he said “Yes, I would.” Well…..he started hitting every ball pitched to him. The whole family froze and looked at each other in disbelief and then back at him…with pride. He made it look so easy…like he had been doing this his whole life. He told his brothers you just have to study the machine and get your count down. He then moved on to a faster pitch and hit those, too! The smile on his face was priceless – that is what brought ears to my eyes.
It is important to remember that it takes some of us longer than others to learn a skill or for that matter to like a sport or an activity or even a food. The lesson here is to remember to re-introduce things to your children-they do have the ability to surprise us in so many ways.
When you live in a sports town like we do, it is so easy to judge a child’s ability too quickly which is so unfair. I learned another lesson from my child and I hope you did too!
Natural Flea and Tick Altnernative
October 25, 2009 at 5:10 pm (1)
Tags: dog, lyme disease, natural flea and tick alternative, pesticide free
ZACH AND SULTANA
People seem to be under the misconception that tick season is over. Just this past week one adult I know was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease for the THIRD TIME.
The natural Pet Supply store I buy my dog’s food at tells me that last week a woman brought her dog in and the shop owner pulled 4 ticks off it’s head!
One of my friends 7-year-old dog has recently finished her treatment for Lyme disease and when I saw her last Monday, she could hardly move around. On Wednesday I brought over what I call the Lyme’s Disease Supplement Program. I saw my friend yesterday at football and guess what? I am thrilled to report that the dog is doing much better and is actually playing with other dogs again for the first time since she got sick (for full details, email and I will send to you).
I now want to shout from the mountain tops what I already knew.There are natural alternatives for Fleas and Ticks. I did not want to wrap my arms nor my children’s arms around a dog laden with pesticide!
You must, however, make the commitment to follow the prevention regimen ALL YEAR ROUND.
I give Sultana Herbal Internal Powder with each meal. I find it easiest to cook some white rice with organic vegetables a couple of times a week. When the rice is cool, I just add the Herbal Internal Powder. The rice absorbs the powder so it does not just float to the bottom of the bowl. This insures that she gets every drop. The combination of the herbs will clean and change the chemistry of the blood to successfully deter fleas and ticks, support circulation, aid in digestion and boost the immune system. You may also just add the powder to some plain organic yogurt to dissolve it.
Next, I also give Sultana Dr. Bob’s Healthy Nuggets with each meal. I crush them a little bit and put them in the food. I then, use the dropper and add the Tinctures No More Ticks and No More Worm and Fungi right to the Healthy Nuggets. It has been my experience that dog’s love the nuggets so, again, by adding the No More Ticks to them, you insure that your animal is getting every drop.
Sultana also gets Glucosamine & Chondrotin and MSM everyday as she has an ACL repair. I also just use my human supplements and open the capsules and sprinkle on the food.
Sultana has been on this regimen for a year and I have not seen 1 single tick on her. She is a Sheltie and has long hair, I brush her everyday and inspect for ticks.
Our animals are such a part of our family it is important to know there are healthy alternatives for them. I just wanted to provide the information so that you know there are options!
Healthy Regards to all living things,
Denise
Are you missing the Sunshine?
October 23, 2009 at 3:03 pm (1)
Tags: S.A.D., Vitamin D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/giagia/162262165/
As the days get shorter and the nights longer we are outside less. I believe that I, like many others, suffer to a degree from seasonal affective disorder or “SAD”.
The sun is a natural source of Vitamin D. When outside, many Americans cover up most of their skin surface with clothing and sunscreen.
Researchers continue to investigate vitamin D for its important role in promoting calcium absorption. Higher concentrations of vitamin D in the blood have been associated with strong bones and good health. Vitamin D has more functions and health benefits than formerly realized.
This amazing vitamin supports healthy immune system function, supports a healthy mood and promotes muscle strength. Yet sadly, many people are not getting an adequate amount of this essential nutrient.
Recently I have started supplementing with an odorless, tasteless Vitamin D drop. My children, too, line up like little birds to get their “drop of sunshine”. I find that when I take Vitamin D, I am less likely to stay in and hybernate in my cocoon for the long Winter months.
350 this is am important number for us all!
October 21, 2009 at 7:08 pm (1)
And what does this 350 number even mean?
350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.
If we’re already past 350, are we all doomed?
No. We’re like the patient that goes to the doctor and learns he’s overweight, or his cholesterol is too high. He doesn’t die immediately—but until he changes his lifestyle and gets back down to the safe zone, he’s at more risk for heart attack or stroke. The planet is in its danger zone because we’ve poured too much carbon into the atmosphere, and we’re starting to see signs of real trouble: melting ice caps, rapidly spreading drought. We need to scramble back as quickly as we can to safety.
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How do we create the political change to steer towards 350?
We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast, and 2009 might be our best shot.
The United Nations is working on a global climate treaty, which is supposed to be completed in December of 2009 at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. But the current plans for the treaty are much too weak to get us back to safety. This treaty needs to put a high enough price on carbon that we stop using so much. It also needs to ensure poor countries a fair chance to develop.
This year, we can create a grassroots movement connected by the web and active all over the world.
We can hold our decision-makers accountable to producing a treaty that is strong, equitable, and grounded in the latest science. On 24 October, we’re holding a Global Day of Climate Action to do just this.
If this global movement succeeds, we can get the world on track to get back to 350 and back to climate safety. It won’t be easy, that’s why we need all the help we can get.
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How do we get the world on track to get to 350?
We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast. The United Nations is working on a treaty, which is supposed to be completed in December of 2009 at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. But the current plans for the treaty are much too weak to get us back to safety. This treaty needs to put a high enough price on carbon that we stop using so much. It also needs to make sure that poor countries are ensured a fair chance to develop.
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How do we actually reduce carbon emissions to get to 350?
Make no mistake—getting back to 350 means transforming our world. It means building solar arrays instead of coal plants, it means planting trees instead of clear-cutting rainforests, it means increasing efficiency and decreasing our waste. Getting to 350 means developing a thousand different solutions—all of which will become much easier if we have a global treaty grounded in the latest science and built around the principles of equity and justice. To get this kind of treaty, we need a movement of people who care enough about our shared global future to get involved and make their voices heard.
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Will this thing work? Will world leaders listen?
Only if we’re loud enough.
If we can make this number known across the planet, that mere fact will exert some real pressure on negotiators. We need people to understand that 350 marks either success or failure for these climate negotiations. It’s not an easy fight—the other side has the power of the fossil fuel industry. But we think the voice of ordinary people will be heard, if it’s loud enough. That’s all of our job—to make enough noise that we can’t be easily ignored.
So, let’s joing togehter and do our part!!!!!
Healty Regards,
Denise El-Tayyeb
Update on our Son in Middle School
October 20, 2009 at 7:31 pm (1)
Tags: ADD/ADHD, children, EmPowerplus, Natural ADD/ADHD Alternative
It has now been 7 months since our son started taking EmPower plus. I have blogged several times that we have noticed positive changes and I am compelled once again to share.
School started early this year and I was a bit nervous about how “we” would do with the organizing and getting the paper’s home, etc.
I started out a bit rough. Spanish homework in the English Area of the Binder, English A and English B mixed up as well as a couple frantic calls home “Mom, it’s me, I forgot my textbook, I thought I packed it”. I must say the calls came before the class – he noticed AHEAD of time. That was the first few weeks.
Our middle school allows the children come 45 minutes early and the teachers check in so the students can then get some one -on-one. We decided to drive to school for this extra time and this way if anything is forgotten or if there are questions on homework it can be dealt with in an ORGANIZED fashion.
My the first week of October our Son had brought home 8 A’s on tests and 2 B+’s in Advanced math. I am so proud of him!!!!!!!! He is really trying and he really seems to be more organized.
Even bigger news. I had called on of his teachers as there seemed to be a personality issue and she said “Your son is doing very well in class. He is social tho’ and seems to goof around with his friends outside of class”. Then she said “NORMAL BOY STUFF!!!!!!” Now that was music to my ears.
I have recently began giving EmPower Plus to our 8-year-old, too, and he is much more focused as well. It is amazing what the right balance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids can do!
There is no perfection in life but I am enjoying my children just the way they are.
Healthy Regards,
Denise El-Tayyeb
4 Weeks Without the LG Dryer
October 19, 2009 at 11:30 pm (1)
Tags: LG Appliance, stress
Okay, so you know the story so far. The LG Dryer that I paid top dollar for, the same one I also paid for the extra service contract for is still not working! Most of the parts were replaced last week. The entire dryer was taken apart and put back together but ONE PART WAS AND STILL IS ON BACK ORDER. This part is the mother board (I am nicknaming it) what else could it be called. All I know is that if I don’t have a working dryer by Friday of this week, I will take legal action.
Home Depot has a 3 visits in a 12 month period Lemon Law. Well, guess what, this will be visit number 3 and I am so ready to tear into the first person who picks up the phone.
If the dryer ain’t putting forth HOT AIR…Well I will be!!!!!
I just paid my electric bill and it is 1.5 times higher than usual as I have had to dry clothes 3 times with COLD AIR and then hang them around the house.
Honestly…Life is Good…For who…the executives I guess, not me. Not my 11-year-old who has to wear slightly damp jeans in 39 degree fall weather.
I can’t wait to follow up on this saga.
Blog Action Day 2009
October 15, 2009 at 10:12 pm (1)
Tags: blog action day 2009, climate change
Every year on October 15th, Bloggers from everywhere unite and blog about one cause. One voice joins another, and another, and you know, that is how things get done.
This year’s topic is Climate Change. I was wondering what I could offer about this subject and besides repeating what everyone else says, what unique spin could I offer. Well, one thing came to mind -okay maybe two.
I planted my first ever organic garden this year and the weather was so messed up, we really did not have many sunny days, a bunch of rainy days so many plants got Moldy like and did not grow! If that happened in my little corner of the world, I am sure it affected lots of farmers and growers on a much larger scales which of course then goes back to affecting me and… YOU.
Next, I have been outside a lot with my children over the past weeks as we have a brand new road and it has become Rip Stick Heaven. Well, there are bugs, tiny knat like bugs out constantly, I am afraid to open my mouth to speak as they are everywhere. I, again, do not have a degree in Climate anything but they must be here because of all the rain. I have never seen them before.
Quite frankly I think we are all entitled to plant and sow our gardens and to open our mouths outside!
So please speak up about this issue and thanks for reading! And, most important…visit www.blogactionday.org
LG Appliances, Life is Good for Who?…Life is Bad is more accurate!
October 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm (1)
Tags: LG Appliance, stress
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninabradica/601837543/
How many times in the last month or week have you put your head in your hands? I can’t even count to be completely honest. Today I have had it as my LG “Top of the line dryer: has been out-of-order for three weeks!!! I paid for the service contract and here I sit three weeks later with all the football laundry all over the couches and window sills! Are you kidding me? I lost it today. Today the repairman came back for the second time, which was supposed to be the last time. You know where this is going right…IT IS NOT THE LAST ##$##$##%^%$$ TIME. Don’t get me wrong, he seems like a nice enough guy but I just want my dryer to do ONE THING, JUST ONE SIMPLE THING….DRY THE FREAKIN CLOTHES!
So, I put on my boxing gloves and my mean voice and I spoke to Claudia at Home Depot. The girl with the raspy voice who reads to me from a script “I apologize for the inconvenience of what you are going through” I tell her it is getting cold outside, the clothes are taking longer to dry now that we are in jeans and long sleeve shirts and sweaters and jackets. Not to mention three boys practicing football 5 times a week plus games and all the LAUNDRY that comes with that.
I tell Claudia that the nice repairman does not even now what is wrong so his logic tells him to order every part possible, basically he plans on Pimping my dryer..at some unforseen date in the future. I ask Claudia what happens if this extreme dryer makeover does not work? Claudia in her script voice says “You will then call back and speak to consumer affairs and they will review what is next.” Claudia then leaves me on hold and checks with the repairman and comes back and tells me the truckload of parts ordered will be in 2 days and then they will call right away and schedule our next visit. I am still stuck on the part where I am supposed to waste some more time and CALL BACK.
I instruct Claudia to put consumer affairs on the phone now as I want to know all my options and steps RIGHT NOW. Kevin comes on the phone…same scripted opening sentence. So, I go through the whole thing with Kevin adding that this is my third LG Appliance to breakdown in the past year, so guess I will not be purchasing anymore of those…
Kevin proceeds to call the same repairman and this time he tells me the parts have NOT EVEN BEEN ORDERED YET!!! I of course now am squealing into the phone, What???? Claudia just told me blah, blah, blah. Kevin acts like he does not even know who Claudia is. At this point, it is just pointless. Kevin and Claudia don’t care if I have a dryer that works, in fact, they probably prefer I don’t for they wouldn’t have jobs if all the appliances worked.
So, if the parts don’t work, then I call Kevin back and then they decide if I am worthy of a replacement machine and that process can take 3-5 business days.
Now all I can do is put it all in proper perspective and at least I am not heading to the river to wash the clothes.
Stay Healthy and Keep your sense of humor!
Death By Soy Sauce
October 7, 2009 at 12:01 am (1)
Tags: healthy choices, healthy food, sodium
Seriously, we are worrying about missles….they plan to kill us with soy sauce. I could not believe it the other day when I say a healthy meal segment on an early morning show and they said to soak your chicken in soy sauce overnight! Have you checked out the sodium content in soy sauce?
It seems that anyone can get on TV and tell people anything.
I feel better now just getting that off my chest!
